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Students Excelling on AP Exams

Advanced Placement courses give students a glimpse of college

November 25, 2015

In just four years, the number of CPS students earning a passing grade on at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam has grown by a staggering 61 percent, increasing the likelihood that students enrolled in these courses will attend and complete college.

In addition to offering college-level work, AP courses create the possibility for earning college credit while students are still in high school, thereby lessening the financial burden of a post-secondary education.

“AP coursework sets students up for success in college and their careers, so I am proud that Chicago students continue to make gains when it comes to participating and succeeding in this important part of their high school studies,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

CPS offers 36 AP courses across all 126 District high schools. Combine this with opportunities provided by the City Colleges of Chicago, and more than one in five CPS students is now participating in college-level coursework.

“CPS offers AP classes so we can give our students the opportunity to experience the academic rigors of college in a supportive high school environment and build the confidence they need to see themselves succeeding in college,” said CPS CEO Forrest Claypool.

Also noteworthy is the fact that CPS was included on the College Board’s Advanced Placement Honor Roll for the third consecutive year. In 2015, Chicago was one of just 14 school districts nationwide, and the only district of its size, to achieve 30 percent or greater enrollment of low-income students and 30 percent or greater enrollment of American Indian, African-American and Latino students in AP courses.

“The College Board is pleased to continue partnering with the Mayor, educational leaders and teachers in Chicago, whose focus and energy is devoted to ensuring that all students with potential will have access to challenging coursework in every high school,” said Greg Walker,” Vice-President of the College Board’s Midwestern Regional Office. “It is great news that more Chicago students will receive the college credits they’ve earned as a result of their hard work in AP.”

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Chicago Public Schools is the third largest school district in the United States with more than 600 schools and serves 371,000 children. Our vision is that every student in every neighborhood will be engaged in a rigorous, well-rounded instructional program and will graduate prepared for success in college, career and life.